Vatican City: In a heartfelt address at the Vatican on Wednesday morning, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) ahead of his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, marking the organization’s 50th anniversary. Reflecting on the legacy of Italian immigrants to the United States, the Pope praised their enduring faith, calling it a defining feature of their journey and survival.

“One of the defining traits of those who emigrated from Italy to the United States was their deep Catholic faith,” the Pope said. “This faith was not only part of their identity—it was their source of strength during times of hardship, guiding them through uncertainty as they sought a better future.”

Speaking warmly in English to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Pope Leo acknowledged the pride of millions of Americans who trace their ancestry to Italy, even if those roots stretch back generations. He commended NIAF’s commitment to cultural education, scholarship programs, and acts of charity that enrich both nations, calling these efforts a “living bridge” between Italy and the U.S.

Highlighting the devotional practices and traditions that Italian immigrants carried across the Atlantic, the Pope said these expressions of faith played a critical role in anchoring communities in unfamiliar lands. “These religious traditions—rich in popular devotion—helped them preserve not only their spirituality but their sense of home,” he said.

The Pope also noted the symbolic timing of the visit, which coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope. He encouraged the delegation to draw strength from Rome, a city sanctified by the Apostles Peter and Paul and countless saints who stood firm in times of turmoil.

“In today’s world, which faces so many difficulties, may your visit renew your hope and confidence in what lies ahead,” he urged.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV offered his Apostolic Blessing and left the group with a personal appeal: “May you and your families continue to honor the rich spiritual and cultural inheritance passed down by those who came before you.”